A fire broke out in an apartment building in Lint, Antwerp, early Sunday morning following a possible explosion. The local police confirmed the incident, which occurred around 01:30, when authorities received reports of a blast in a three-storey residential building.
The explosion, which is believed to have originated in the basement, quickly escalated into a fire. The building’s five apartments were immediately evacuated, with residents rescued using ladders.
They were safely transported to a nearby communal building while emergency services worked to control the situation.
Firefighters were quick to respond, bringing the blaze under control by 02:00. Remarkably, no injuries were reported despite the significant smoke and water damage in the basement area.
Fortunately, the explosion did not affect the structural integrity of the apartments, and they were deemed habitable following a safety inspection.
“We are relieved that no one was injured,” said Commissioner Gerry Paulus. “While there is considerable damage in the basement, residents will be allowed to return to their homes once the firefighters and police have cleared the area.”
The police did not immediately release further details about the cause of the explosion, but the local community speculated that it could be related to illegal drug activity, a common occurrence in Antwerp.
The city, often referred to as “Europe’s cocaine capital,” has experienced a surge in drug-related incidents in recent years, with explosions and fires tied to criminal operations becoming an unfortunate regularity.
In response to the explosion, local authorities launched an investigation to determine the exact cause. Firefighters and police remained on-site for several hours, conducting safety checks and assessing the damage.
While the explosion caused disruption and panic, the situation was swiftly managed by emergency services. “The swift response from our firefighters and police was essential in preventing injuries and minimizing the damage,” added Paulus. “We are grateful for the calm and cooperation shown by the residents.”
As Antwerp continues to grapple with the growing issue of drug-related crime, this incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by illegal activities within the city.
Local authorities have reiterated their commitment to addressing the issue, urging the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The incident in Lint is just the latest in a series of explosions linked to drug production and trafficking in Antwerp.
The city’s reputation as a hotspot for cocaine smuggling has been well documented, with significant quantities of the drug being imported through its bustling port.
Law enforcement agencies have been working diligently to combat this growing problem, but the issue persists, impacting the safety and security of local residents.
For now, the residents of the affected apartment building are safe, and the situation is under control. Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to uncover the cause of the explosion and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
